Gunmen kill two in Imo community attack

Residents of Umunjo community in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State are scared after a recent attack by suspected herdsmen. This incident led to the deaths of a vigilante operative and another man on Monday.

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the attack. They have sent more security personnel to Owerri West and Oguta Local Government Areas due to rising security issues like kidnapping and other crimes.

CP Audu Garba Bosso, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, has condemned the killings. He instructed the relevant units to work harder to find and arrest those responsible.

DSP Henry Okoye, the Police Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Monday night.

Okoye mentioned that the police deployment was a response to the “attack and killing of two young persons in Irete today, September 14, 2026, by suspected armed bandits.”

Videos on social media showed the bodies of the two men lying in pools of blood not far from each other.

Eyewitnesses in the community said the vigilante operative was with the unidentified man to check a property when they were attacked.

A local source, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed the attackers seemed to be herdsmen. He said, “Herdsmen have attacked the Irete community again and this is getting too much. These people came to inspect a property before the incident. Our community is safe, but these herdsmen want to make it a threat.

“One is a vigilante operative from his dressing, but we are yet to confirm the identity of the man he escorted to this place.”

Recently, Irete has faced attacks targeting people looking to buy properties and real estate agents, according to residents.

The community source alleged that around four people have been killed in different incidents while inspecting properties in the Irete area.

Some residents have reportedly left the Umunjo community due to fears of more attacks or possible questioning by security forces.

Residents are calling on security agencies to restore peace and catch the attackers who have fled.

In his statement, Okoye said the police commissioner ordered “the immediate deployment of enhanced security operations to Owerri West and Oguta Local Government Areas following recent security concerns, including pockets of kidnapping and other criminal activities.”

He added that the deployment includes Ejemekuru, Ogbakwu, Izombe, Irete, Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu, Amakohia-Ubi, and nearby communities.

Okoye mentioned that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit have been sent with available operational assets. They will work with community vigilantes to improve intelligence-led operations and catch criminals.

“The action follows the attack and killing of two young persons in Irete today, 14 September 2026, by suspected armed bandits. CP Bosso has condemned the incident and directed the relevant units to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The Commissioner charged the deployed personnel to stay vigilant, proactive, and professional. He stressed that the command will not let criminals establish a base in any part of the state.

The operatives have also been told to closely cooperate with community vigilantes and other important stakeholders,” Okoye said.

Bosso assured the people of Owerri West, Oguta, and nearby communities that the police command is dedicated to protecting lives and property. They will take all lawful steps to deal with crime in the affected areas.

The command also urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious people, movements, or activities to the police or the nearest security office.

“Security is everybody’s business, and timely, credible information is key to preventing crime and catching offenders,” the statement added.